“The wife of Chretien du Bois of Wicres supposedly was named Cornelis, but one of the three had a daughter named Cornelia (or variant). “ 1963

“Internet pages frequently - and incorrectly - claim that Chretien du Bois’ wife was named ‘Cornelia’. This claim was first made by researcher Matthew Hilt Murphy in a 1980 presentation later re-printed in William Heidgerd, ‘The American Descendants of Chretien Dubois of Wicres, France.’ Murphy referenced a 1646 item in the church records of Middlebourg, Zeeland referring to ‘Bois/Cornelia du/vefve de Jen de Crestien, native de Tournay.’ Murphy, who apparently was not familiar with the French custom of referring to women in documents by their maiden names throughout their lives, misinterpreted this as a reference to a woman who had married (1) Jean du Bois and (2) Chretien DuBois. In fact, the record refers to a woma whose maiden name was ‘Cornelia du Bois’, who was the widow of ‘Jean de Chrestien.’ There is no basis to associate her with Chretien du Bois of Wicres.” 2030